The bloodiest battle at sea: The Battle of the Gullet in House of the Dragon

House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones, is set to bring one of the bloodiest naval battles in George R. R. Martin’s world to life. The last episode of Season 2 set up the Battle of the Gullet, a conflict that shifts the course of Westerosi history. We will likely see this major event early in Season 3, and it promises to be one of the deadliest battles on screen.

What happened at the Battle of the Gullet?

Wiki of Thrones Interactive Map

The Battle of the Gullet was a major naval engagement during the Dance of the Dragons, the Targaryen civil war. It took place in the strategic waterway known as the Gullet, between the Crownlands, Driftmark, and Dragonstone.

Causes of the Battle

After several defeats, the Greens, led by Ser Otto Hightower, sought help from the Triarchy to attack the Velaryon fleet. The Triarchy, enemies of Prince Daemon from a previous conflict, agreed in exchange for trading rights and control of the Stepstones.

Initial Confrontation

The battle began when the Triarchy’s forces encountered a ship carrying young Targaryen princes. Prince Aegon III escaped on his dragon, while Prince Viserys was captured.

The Main Battle

The Triarchy’s fleet engaged the Velaryon forces at sunrise. Jacaerys Velaryon led an aerial attack with his dragon Vermax, soon joined by other dragonriders. The battle turned into a fierce struggle both at sea and in the air.

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How does Fire and Blood describe the Battle of the Gullet?

Credits: Jota Saraiva

In Fire and Blood, George R. R. Martin portrays the Battle of the Gullet as a devastating conflict with significant losses on both sides.

The Sea Snake’s Losses

Corlys Velaryon, known as the Sea Snake, lost a third of his fleet. He famously remarked, “If this be victory, I pray I never win another.”

The Triarchy’s Defeat

The Triarchy suffered massive losses, with only 28 out of 90 ships returning home. This led to internal conflicts and eventually contributed to the collapse of the Triarchy.

The Fate of the Princes

Prince Jacaerys Velaryon died during the battle when his dragon Vermax crashed into the sea. Prince Viserys was presumed dead but was actually sold into slavery. Prince Aegon escaped, but his dragon Stormcloud died in the process.

Impact on Driftmark

Spicetown on Driftmark was burnt and sacked, never to be rebuilt again.

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The Battle of the Gullet in House of the Dragon

Credit: HBO

House of the Dragon has been meticulously setting the stage for the Battle of the Gullet throughout Season 2, positioning it as a pivotal moment in the Dance of Dragons that will escalate the war significantly.

Early Hints in Season 2

The conflict was first teased when Corlys Velaryon informed Rhaenyra Targaryen of his plan to form a naval blockade across the Gullet. This strategic waterway, leading into Blackwater Bay, is crucial for trade routes to King’s Landing.

Impact on King’s Landing

The blockade severely affected the capital, causing food shortages and unrest among its inhabitants. This instability prompted Aemond Targaryen, acting as Prince Regent, to devise a plan to break the blockade.

The Triarchy Alliance

Aemond’s strategy involved allying with the Triarchy, an alliance of the Free Cities of Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh. This group had previously clashed with House Velaryon during the War for the Stepstones in Season 1.

Season 2 Finale Setup

The season finale confirmed this alliance through Tyland Lannister, showing Triarchy ships heading towards the Gullet. It also featured Corlys Velaryon and Alyn of Hull reinforcing the blockade and introduced Abigail Thorn as Sharako Lohar, a Triarchy admiral.

Looking Ahead to Season 3

These developments strongly suggest that the Battle of the Gullet will be a major event early in Season 3, promising an epic naval confrontation that will shape the course of the war.

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Key Figures

• Jacaerys Velaryon: Leader of the Black’s aerial forces, killed in the battle
• Corlys Velaryon: Commander of the Black’s naval forces
• Admiral Sharako Lohar: Leader of the Triarchy’s fleet
• Prince Aegon III and Prince Viserys: Young Targaryen princes caught in the conflict
• Dragonriders: Ulf the White, Hugh Hammer, Addam Velaryon, and Nettles

Aftermath

Military Consequences

The Blacks retained control of the Gullet but at a great cost. The Greens failed to gain control over the western shore of Westeros and lost their allies across the sea.

Political Fallout

The battle led to internal conflicts within the Triarchy, eventually contributing to its collapse. It also solidified the enmity between the warring Targaryen factions.

Long-term Impact

The loss of Prince Jacaerys and the presumed death of Prince Viserys had lasting effects on the Targaryen dynasty. The destruction of Spicetown permanently altered the landscape of Driftmark.

Quotes

“If this be victory, I pray I never win another.” – Corlys Velaryon

Quick Answers

When will the Battle of the Gullet occur in House of the Dragon?

While the exact timing is uncertain, it’s likely that the Battle of the Gullet will be featured in Season 3 of House of the Dragon, given the need to space out major battle scenes for budgetary reasons.

Why is the Battle of the Gullet significant?

The battle is a turning point in the Dance of the Dragons, resulting in significant losses for both sides and having far-reaching consequences for the war and the future of Westeros.

Who won the Battle of the Gullet?

The battle had no clear winner. While the Blacks maintained control of the Gullet, they suffered heavy losses, including Prince Jacaerys Velaryon. The Triarchy’s forces were decimated, leading to their withdrawal from the conflict.

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